Lionel T1 Chessie 4-8-4

The problem with going to DCS is that this is an AC motor, so I don't think DCS will work with AC Motors.  I have this one as well and upgraded it a long time ago with a TAS (Train America Studios - no longer in business) Smoke Unit.  I would suggest to you to get the Super Chuffer board from Henning's Trains (http://www.henningstrains.com/).  I also sent my engine to Frank Timko to get DC Motor so I could add the ERR Cruise Commander (which would allow you to upgrade to DCS).

Here are some videos of my upgraded version:

If you want to go DCS, you'll have to first go for the Timko motor replacement, he makes a setup that replaces the motor with a DC motor.  I have the same locomotive with the Timko motor and an MTH smoke unit.  I upgraded mine to TMCC and of course I used my Super-Chuffer and the Chuff-Generator to complete the package.

If you don't care about cruise control, you can use the AC Commander and keep the existing motor, it's significantly cheaper that way.

What MTH smoke unit do you recommend, I was going to stick with AC power.  The Plunger lever is still in my LOCO, it moves up and down. Did you use a smoke unit that retains that? Where can I find a Lionel parts diagram? I tried searching the site no luck 6-18011. Thanks Jeff

I upgrade my 2100 to TMCC (Trains America) back in 2000 with a new sound system.  Loved it and the engine performed beautifully.  Subsequently changed to S Scale and sold off everything except the T-1, a few passenger cars and caboose with track and transformer.

I am tempted to upgrade again to a DC can motor and the new Lionel system, but money is an object.

I would definitely upgrade, you'll love the engine.

Jhagewood posted:

What MTH smoke unit do you recommend, I was going to stick with AC power.  The Plunger lever is still in my LOCO, it moves up and down. Did you use a smoke unit that retains that? Where can I find a Lionel parts diagram? I tried searching the site no luck 6-18011. Thanks Jeff

You can use any that they put in a steam engine.  I made a bracket for mine that attached where the current smoke unit is.  I also put the Heater On/Off Switch there.

Also, here are the diagrams - they are on Lionel's support page via the Service Documents Link.

Jhagewood posted:

What MTH smoke unit do you recommend, I was going to stick with AC power.  The Plunger lever is still in my LOCO, it moves up and down. Did you use a smoke unit that retains that? Where can I find a Lionel parts diagram? I tried searching the site no luck 6-18011. Thanks Jeff

I use the standard AA-0000070 MTH steam smoke unit, however that's because I am also using the Super-Chuffer with it and that controls the fan.  I rip out all of the old smoke unit, the lever, etc. to make room for the fan driven unit.  Since I wanted 4-chuffs/rev, I also used my Chuff-Generator to generate the chuff signals.  In most cases, I have to create a mounting bracket and extend the stack with a brass tube.

C&O Allie posted:

Jhagewood posted:

What MTH smoke unit do you recommend, I was going to stick with AC power.  The Plunger lever is still in my LOCO, it moves up and down. Did you use a smoke unit that retains that? Where can I find a Lionel parts diagram? I tried searching the site no luck 6-18011. Thanks Jeff

You can use any that they put in a steam engine.  I made a bracket for mine that attached where the current smoke unit is.  I also put the Heater On/Off Switch there.

Also, here are the diagrams - they are on Lionel's support page via the Service Documents Link.

Allan, Where did you get your Class Lights and Number Boards. Part numbers too.

Thanks

Chris,

I made the number boards out of styrene, with a clear plastic front and a decal for the number.  I found 6 volt grain of wheat bulbs to put in them and tied them in parallel to the headlight which is 6 volts.  As for the marker lights, I ordered them from MTH (used on my 765 berk), but I don't remember the number.  I found them on the Lionel site for the same berk - the numbers are 6308076370 and 6308076371 (left and right).

In the marker lights, I put in 3 volt grain of wheat bulbs tied in series so they can be tied to the headlight 6 volt headlight.

Attached is a Word Document I made that lists all the things I did to upgrade this engine.

I have the 80's version is it upgradable

Jhainer posted:

I have the 80's version is it upgradable

 

Yes - my engine is the 80s version.  The word document I attached lists all the upgrades I made to it.

mine's the 8003 version

I make number boards by printing white on black with the label setting on my laser printer.  I use Word and try various fonts, sizes and kerning settings until I get a proper sized and good looking number board.  Then I use clear parts cement to stick it to a clear plastic sheet.  I'm working one one now that Lionel used decals on the number boards, the numbers are sliding off in pieces, so I'll replace them with my printed numbers.

The engine above is the first Scale version Lionel did (6-18011).  Most of what I did can apply to the Berkshire version, at least on the detailing side and the Marker Lights and Number Boards.  You will just need a voltage regulator to power them as I believe 8003 uses straight track power to light the headlight.

Allan,

Thanks for the info. I liked reading about the history of your engine. I too, have the 6-18011. The headlight and firebox lights are/were powered by the constant 6v regulator in the engine. I have the electronics on the way with the AC Commander and Railsounds for large engines. Wish I would have read your dissertation before I ordered the Railsounds.  I also have GRJ's super-chuffer coming.

I was able to find a NYC Mohawk tender 6-18064 on eBay, which appears to be the same as the 6-18009, but for TMCC. I won't be using the electronics in the tender. I'm just going to disconnect them. (But then again...If they work...I just may save some money. We'll have to see.)  I'll run a tether from the engines tender to the aux tender for the backup light and the coil coupler.

Then it'll be on to painting the aux tender. Thanks again for the WORD files for the decals. They look to be about the correct size already.

Thanks Again,

Chris,

Not a problem - please let me know if you have any other questions.